By Dawood Adib.

Introduction

<<Say: ‘This is my way: I invite to Allaah on/with clear knowledge – I and whomever follows me (does this). Glorified is Allaah, and I am not of the polytheists.”>>(12:108),

This is one of the aayaat that our righ teous predecessors extract the rules/principles/basics of Da’wah from. The Arabic term is Usool ad-Da`wah and is used interchangeably with the word Minhaaj.

Qul

“Say” We are instructed to inform the people whatever follows after the command of “say”. This aayah, as well as all the others, is being addressed to the Muslims in general and the Prophet in particular as to how we are to give Da`wah. In it are important commands for us to implement. Thus, we should learn them, understand them, and apply them.

Haadhihi Sabeelee

“This is my way” The word Sabeel is synonymous with the words Tareeq, Minhaaj, and Sunnah. The Companion Ibn Abbaas explained “the Shar`ee (laws) and Minhaaj (methodology) as the Sabeel (way) and Sunnah (example)” – Bukhaaree p. 16.

The instruction that follows is the Sunnah of Da`wah, and it is very important that it be adhered to. It is as follows:

Ad`oo Ilallaah

“I invite… This phrase is in the first person, singular of the present tense of the verb da`aa. It means: I am calling, I do summon, I bid/beckon/invite. to Allaah. This does not mean we call people to where Allaah is – above His Throne which is above the seven heavens over the heavenly waters. What it means is we summon people to the meaning of Laa ilaaha illaallaah which is “none is worthy of worship except Allaah, and it also to call people to His Deen, to His Uniqueness, and knowledge of Him by way of His Perfect Attributes.

There is a science of the Arabic language in which a part of a phrase can be used when it is actually referring to the whole phrase. This science is being applied when the aayah states to Allaah because it is referring to the Kalimah (Laa ilaaha illaallaah). The reverse of this is also a science in which an entire phrase is used when it is actually referring to part of a phrase, e.g. <<They thrust their fingers into their ears… >>(2:19) The word fingers is used but it is actually referring to the fingertips (of possibly only two fingers yet the Jam` case of three or more is used).

So it is here that Allaah tells us to invite the people to Tawheed. Clearly notice that we are not commanded to summon the people to any individual (regardless of how knowledgeable), any organization or masjid, any way of thinking, any project, nationalism, interfaith dialogue, ism or schism, etc. We are only commanded to call the people to the meaning of Laa ilaaha illaallaah.

`Alaa Baseerah

“with clear knowledge” This part the aayah tells us HOW to invite the people to the statement of Tawheed: Laa ilaaha illaallaah. The word Baseerah is not simple one to translate into English, however, for right now we’ll use the word knowledge.

Baseerah means Daleel and Burhaan (clear proofs and evidences). The word Daleel literally means guide. Often people ask the question “What is your Daleel (evidence/proof from the Quraan and authentic Sunnah)?” So what they are literally asking for is “guidance” because this is what revelation does – it guides us. Thus, this is HOW we invite the people toTawheed: with proofs/evidences from the Ouraan and authentic Sunnah!

Evidence can be produce by two basic ways:

• Naqlee – transmitted evidence: the Quraan and authentic Sunnah, and the statements, understanding, and practical application of the Sahaabah, and
• `Aqlee – rational evidence: views based on scholarly understanding of the Quraan and authentic Sunnah related to the issue at hand (we begin with Sahaabah/ Companions, then the Taabi`oon/Successors, then the Atbaa` at-Taabi`een/Followers of the Successors, and any of the scholars who follow their Minhaaj (which is abiding by the Quraan and authentic Sunnah and discarding personal, unfounded opinions) e.g. al-Bukhaaree, Ibn Taymeeyah, ash-Shawkaanee, M. ibn Abdul-Wahhaab, al-Albaanee and several others; and the linguistics of the Arabic language which must always be dependent on and consistent with revelation. We must note that we always seek an answer from the transmitted texts, and only go to rational points that are made based on Quraan and authentic Sunnah when we - via the scholars – are unable to find an answer within the transmitted texts.

One of our eminent scholars, Ibn al Qayyim al-Jawzeeyah stated, “Knowledge is what Allaah says, what the Prophet says, and what the Companions say.”

Therefore, in light of the above, one must, be knowledgable in whatever he is inviting the people to. This is a very important condition of Baseerah because if one does not know what he’s talking about he could be inviting people to Kufr and Shirk and Bid`ah and Kabaa’ir and other Muharaamaat. The Prophet  said, The seeking of knowledge (of religious matters) is mandatory upon every Muslim(al-Bayhaqee); and Allaah says, <<Everyone must know that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah>>(47:19) and <<invite to Allaah with clear knowledge>>(12:108).

A second condition of Baseerah is that the daa`ee (inviter) should be familiar with whom he is giving da`wah to. This is important because having this knowledge may be benefcial in convincing the invitee(s) to accept Islaam because the daa`ee would know how (or how not) to approach his audience. When the Prophet  commissioned Mu`aadh to be the governor of Yamaan, he abreasted him that he was assigning him to an area that was predominately of Jews and Christians (see Bukhaaree vol.9 #469 and Muslim vol. 1 #27). With this information it would be useful for Mu`aadh to know that he would be around people who had some knowledge of the previously-revealed divine scriptures because the approach we use with a Confucianist would not necessarily be the same approach we use for a Sabean or for a Christian, etc. Likewise, it may be better to send our Muslim brother Mustafaa O’Connell to Ireland than it would be to send someone of British origin (because generally people are more comfortable with others who are similar to themselves – and notwithstanding the ongoing conflict between the two nations).

This hadeeth concerning Mu`aadh is also a proof for the first condition of Baseerah because the rest of the hadeeth informs us that the Prophet told Mu`aadh to instruct the people in the basics of Islaam. In order for Mu`aadh to do this he himself would first have to have knowledge of Tawheed, Ittibaa` ar-Rasool, Tahaarah, Salaah, etc. And let us take special note that the first tbing that the Prophet ordered him to do was: invite the people to Laa ilaaha illaallaah.

A third condition of Baseerah is to be respectful, polite, humble, and the like, yet not compromising any Islaamic principles (like shaking hands with the opposite sex or sipping non-virgin cocktails) -while conveying the Da`wah. Allaah instructed Moosaa and Haaroon <<Both of you go to Fir`awn for without a doubt he has transgressed, and speak to him with kind and gentle words>>(20:43,44), and <<If you had been severe and harsh-hearted they would have ran away from you>>(3: 159). Furthermore, we should not insult those things that the disbelievers worship besides Allaah, e.g. in the 70’s when I was a member of the Nation of Kufr (the “so called” Nation of Islam) I used to say to my parents “How can we you worship that white, blue-eyed, hippie devil [Jesus]?’ Although, both of us was in a state of disbelief when I accosted them in this manner it naturally brought about a defensive response (which will make it harder to convice someone of your point). To ridicule and blaspheme the gods that people worship besides Allaah is in opposition to Allaah’s command <<Do not revile those whom they pray to besides Allaah because they will wrongfully revile Allaah>> (6:108).

Also, we don’t use rap songs to give Da`wah. Yes, music and instruments existed in the time of the Companions, yet with their knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and practice of Islaam (that will not be superceded by any other generation before their time and after it) did not use music to give Da`wah. In fact they did not listen to music at all.

This third condition of Baseerah means that we do not tell the people the consequences Allaah has planned for anyone who does not live according to His prescriptions and proscriptions. From several aayaat and ahaadeeth we can see that it is the Sunnah of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger  to tell the people about dreadful and tormenting punishments for the disobedient.

Anaa wa Manittaba`anee

“I and whomever follows me (does this)” The Prophet  and whomever follows him obeys the orders that just was given by Allaah: to invite the people to Tawheed with proofs and evidences/certified and bonafide knowledge. For the second time in this aayah this command of Allaah is attached to the Sunnah of the Prophet. We should pay very strict attention to this because in Allaah’s infinite wisdom He knows why this is being repeated in the same aayah. So if we adhere to the orders given to us then we can consider ourselves as believing and following the Messenger of Allaah as this part of the aayah states.

The Arabic word man is a particle that is general. It is not restricted to any place or time. Whether one is a companion of the Prophet , or is born of Slavic descent, or lives in 17th century Salem, or emerges from the pre-historic Flintstone age, or plays golf on the moon, the whomever, wherever, and whenever does not make any difference – as long as he is following the Prophet he is abiding by the dictates of Allaah. <<Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allaah>>(4:80).

The Da`wah of Islaam has three aspectsto it: Tawheed(monotheism),Ittibaa` ar-Rasool (following the Messenger: Sunnah), and Tazkeeyah (sanctification of the heart: the result of believing in Tawheed and following the Sunnah).

Wa Subhaanallaah

“and glorified is Allaah” This Dhikr is usually translated into English as such but the denotative meaning of this phrase is “Allaah is far above and removed from any indignities, deficiencies, limitations, and lies that are attributed to Him”, which connotes that He is hallowed/glorified. Included in this He’s far above having any partners, peers, equals, companions, mate, or offspring.

Wa Maa Anaa Minal-Mushrikeen

“and I am not of the polytheists.” This means that the Prophet and all those who follow him are not of the deen of the disbelievers.

Usool ad-Da’wah/Conclusion

The foundation or rudiments of inviting people to Allaah (there is none worthy of worship except Allaah) is given to us in this aayah and other aayaat. What we must do is learn them, understand them, and apply them. This is the methodology of Da`wah of all the prophets: Muhammad , Yoosuf (AS), Aadam (AS), et al. What these righteous individuals did was call the people to Tawheed with proofs.

[Al Qur'an 16:125]

Da’wah

‘Da’wah’ means an invitation. In the Islamic context it means ‘an invitation to Islam’. Thus Da’wah means conveying the message of Islam to Non-Muslims and inviting them to Islam.A person who does Da’wah is called a ‘Da’ee‘.

Allaah, the Glorified says in the Noble Qur’an in Surah Aal-e-Imran, Chapter number 03, Verse number 104:

“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and it is they who are succesful.”

Allaah, the Praiseworthy further says in Surah Qasas, Chapter number 28, Verse number 87:

“Let no one turn you away from the revelations of Allaah after they have been revealed to thee: and invite (men) to thy Lord, and be not of the company of those who join gods with Allaah.”

Allaah, the Most High further says in Surah Fussilat, Chapter number 41, Verse number 33:

“And who is better in speech than he who invites (all) to Allaah and does righteous deeds and says,’I am one of the Muslims’.”

And Allaah, the Exhalted further says in Surah Al-Asr, Chapter number 103:

Verse number 01: “By the Time.”

Verse number 02: “Indeed! man is in a loss.”

Verse number 03: “Except those who have faith and do good works and encourage one another to Truth and encourage one another to patience.”

Answer: Your question is very general and I’m not sure exactly what you’re looking for. First of all, we Muslims do not usually use the words “missionary” or “missionary work” to refer to a da`i andda`wah. We prefer to keep our own Islamic terms, which come from the verb meaning to call or invite.

As for who should makeda`wah, each and every one of us Muslims should invite others to Islam by setting an example of good behavior so that people can see that our faith is a living faith that means more to us than praying five times a day.

But da`wah in such forms as preaching, debating, and writing requires training, not only in Islamic knowledge but also in communication skills. This, obviously, is not the duty of all of us. But we all should financially support the efforts of da`is(those who work inda`wah; Arabic plural :du`ah).

The issues and challenges facing da`isvary from country to country and from one situation to another. Are they makingda`wah to Muslims who know little about Islam and who have added to their religion in their ignorance? Is their audience literate? Are they trying to convince others to become Muslim? Are those others People of the Book who have some background in the concepts of God, revelation, and prophethood? Or are they pagans who have no such background, and so different arguments and approaches must be made? Are theda`is working in a poor developing country where they might not even have a microphone and loudspeakers to talk to a large audience? Are they speaking in person to one or a few people, or even to a crowd? Or are they using radio, TV, CDs, or the Internet to reach a distant impersonal audience? All of these and other factors will make a difference to their approach, soda`is must be trained in the methods they will use.

In addition,da`is should know the language, culture, and customs of the audience well. The traditions of the audience that do not conflict with Islam should be respected.

The choice of which language to use might be important in some situations. For example, in West Africa (according to my Nigerian editor) the Christian missionaries usually speak in English and use a translator when necessary to convey their message. For sociolinguistic reasons that do not apply everywhere. This gives the missionaries a high status in the eyes of the people. The Muslim da`isthere usually address the people in the African languages, but they are now beginning to change their tactics and address them in English in order to raise their status and the status of their message.

Furthermore (according to my same informant), Christian missionaries often become very emotional in their speech and so they enter people’s hearts. The Muslim da`is, on the other hand, tend to focus on facts and reasoning—and often wrongly assume that the audience knows and accepts the basics of faith. Thus, their message does not reach people’s hearts. The challenge there—and elsewhere—is for da`is to learn to touch people’s hearts without making Islam a blindly accepted faith.

Another problem in da`wah in many places is that the da`is lead ascetic lives, often leaving behind their families and work for months at a time. Or they may simply be under funded. In both cases, this makes Islam unattractive because people want to live comfortable lives. If they feel that they have to give up even basic needs or simple wants to be Muslim, they will turn away.

Answer: Thank you for this question, which is asked by so many Muslims. It is a wonderful sign that so many Muslims love Islam so much that they want to tell others about it. So many, though, are full of good intentions, but are not quite sure just where to begin.

What Is Da’wah?

Da`wah is one of those religious words we use which often takes on something of a mysterious meaning. Its meaning is really very simple. It means calling others to Islam.

Now what does that “calling others” really mean? Does it mean going out into the streets and persuading people to become Muslim? Does it mean standing on a box in the middle of the High Street and shouting about Islam to those who are passing by?

In my opinion, certainly not!

Calling others to Islam simply means telling them what Islam is really like, and then leaving them to make up their own minds.

In Cairo, where I live, you can walk along a busy street in the centre of the city and you will find young boys selling socks. “Three pairs for ten Egyptian pounds,” they will shout, in Arabic. Passers by then have the chance to look at the socks.

If they are going to make a sale, the boys do not just dump the socks in a heap by the side of the road. They arrange them very carefully, perhaps in order of colour. The dark ones at one end and the light ones at the other.

Because the roads are very dusty, the boys selling the socks will dust them down and rearrange them from time to time. Similarly, they do not just hope that the passers-by will take a look, but they actively call out to attract their attention.

Telling people about Islam is something like this. We make what we have to say very attractive and we call people by our cheerful words and attractive countenance. A translation of what we read in the Qur’an says:

*{Invite all to the Way of your God with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.}* (An-Nahl 16:125)

A Book by Its Cover

First of all, then, if we are to talk to others about Islam, we must be presentable ourselves. This might sound obvious, but not everyone observes such a rule. By being presentable, I mean we should be clean and well dressed.

The ambassador of any country speaks on behalf of his country, so he should present a good image of his country. Muslims who talk about Islam to others are ambassadors of Islam and they should present themselves in such a way to others.
There is no excuse for being in untidy clothes or with an untidy appearance. You might be the only Muslim someone has ever met, so show them that Islam is very beautiful.

We also need to recognize that as Muslims we have different gifts and talents. Some people are good at Maths, others are good at sports and others can speak well in public. Just because we want to talk to others about Islam, it does not mean that we will be good at speaking in public.

Be honest, and work from your own strengths. If you are good at speaking, then speak in a clear, confident voice. If you are not a good public speaker, use other methods to tell others about Islam, and leave others to be the public face. The Internet, for example, is one way you can talk to others.

What to Say

What should you say when people ask about Islam? Well, first of all, if they ask you a question and you do not know the answer, apologize to them and admit as much. Do not make up an answer, to make yourself look clever. Explain that you will get back to them with a full answer to their question.

Islam is perfect and it has the answer to every question in the minds and hearts of men and women. The problem is that, because we do not read and study enough, we do not always know what that answer is, so we make Islam seem inadequate, when we are really the ones who do not know.

Never imagine that you have to persuade anyone to become Muslim. This is not da`wah. Our duty is simply to proclaim the message, and we then leave others to make up their own minds.

What a terrible thing if we were to persuade someone to become Muslim, in the heat of the moment, and then leave them without any support so that they quickly gave up their good intentions.

Millions of pounds, in fact, are spent in calling others to Islam, but hardly a penny is spent in looking after the new Muslims once they have declared Shahadah. If anything, we should actually make people hesitate, take their time, before embracing Islam. Make sure they know what they are accepting.

One very useful way of talking to others about Islam, especially if they have misconceptions about different aspects of it, is to talk about things from our own experience.

For example, if someone brings up the whole thorny issue of Muslims being terrorists, you can tell them that you are not a terrorist and that you do not know any. No one can argue with your personal experience without calling you a liar.

It is important, too, to speak to people in a language they understand. There is no need to go into special religious jargon just because you talk about Islam. Chances are that the one you are talking to will not know what you are talking about. No, use the language and the things people are familiar with.

Similarly, do not expect to prove a point by quoting them chunks from the Qur’an. The Qur’an will not have a value for non-Muslims until it has been proved to have a value. Do not expect them to be bowled over with your quotes.

Finally, always be very courteous and very cheerful. Show people that being Muslim does not mean you have to stop being human. A cheerful expression and a very polite manner will go a long way to give a very image of Islam.

And if, in the end, the ones you are talking to choose not to accept your words, then just as cheerfully and courteously wish them goodbye. You certainly do not need to lose any sleep on their account and, who knows, your words might have an effect at a later date.

I hope that these ideas are helpful.

Question: I have a question that deals with performingdawah (by which I mean giving lectures). I am sure Islam gives some approaches. I am particularly interested in dawah in the Netherlands for Muslim youth, students at High School and Universities and also for the non-Muslims. May Allah bless your fantastic work. Give my greetings from Holland to the whole staff. Salam.

Answer: First of all, I would like to start with an explanation of what dawah is, for knowing the nature of a task helps in accomplishing it. Dawah is to invite people to Allah, to call them to know the truth and to follow it. This can be done both by word and by action.

Your words are usedwhen you give lectures, sermons or circulate books, pamphlets, etc., that help people understand Islam. Your actions are used when making dawah through your manners, i.e. being a role model and bringing into practice the noble teachings of Islam.
Both methods (dawah by words and actions) were applied by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) setting for his Ummah (community of Muslims) a distinguished example to emulate.

Once asked about the Prophet’s manners, Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) replied that his actions were the living example of all the noble teachings and principles imbedded in the glorious Quran. (At-Tirmidhi)

Consequently, a Muslim is supposed to advise others using a gentle approach in an attempt to attract thirsty hearts and souls to the path of Allah. Indeed, people nowadays are keen to apply Islam more than ever, but they lack the example to follow.
Brother, the problem is not in making dawah; the problem is in the way we present it to people. It is sad to say that many people who call to Islam have ruined the image ofdawah itself, through the rigid methods which they apply, thus giving a bad impression about Islam and its followers.

Thus, in the light of all the propaganda that is going on against Islam and Muslims these days, Muslims have to exert efforts in applying wisdom, good preaching and sound arguments.
When calling people to Islam, especially in the West, part of the approach you need is to make a clear the distinction between “Islam” and “Muslims”. You may ask why this is so important.

The more the non-Muslims get attracted towards Islam, through its noble teachings and humane precepts, the more the bad manners of some Muslims scare off those non-Muslims. So you need to make them realize that as there are non-practicing Christians, whose acts run in sharp contrast to the dictates of Jesus Christ, there are also some people who have call themselves “Muslim” while not actually practicing what it means.

Many non-Muslims wrongly identify Islam as being simply “what Muslims do” and this is a big problem when we have non-practicing Muslims.
So all in all, you need to adopt gentleness and politeness in presenting your arguments. Allah the Almighty addresses His Prophet, saying:
*{Invite (all) to the Way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for your Lord knows best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.}* (An-Nahl 16:125)
The Prophet is reported to have said:

“Indeed, gentleness adds more beauty to the atmosphere it reposes therein.” (Muslim)
Actually, nothing is more needed now, in makingdawah, than gentleness and wisdom. The reason for this is to dispel all the superstitions and lies spread against Islam. All this needs wisdom, patience and perseverance, and such polite methods bring quick results and have rapid effect on the audience.
This reminds us how the Prophet’s gentle manners and wise approach softened the hearts of the Quraishi idolaters, such as Hind (Abu-Sufyan’s wife). She was the one who chewed Hamza’s liver and fought Islam vigorously until the 8th year of Hijrah. She did not really know the Prophet. However, when she knew him and saw his lenient manners, she told him “I never wished someone on the face of this earth to be abased more than you and your family. Now, I do not see someone on the face of this earth more honored than you and your family.”
You see how the Prophet’s kindness and sympathy changed the hearts of the people around him? Thus, the callers to Islam of today need to learn from the noble Prophet in order to draw people to Islam, instead of driving them away.

There is also a need to change the language ofdawah itself. Observing many Friday sermons nowadays, will give one a quick impression that the majority of attendants do not follow the speaker.

Actually some take Friday sermons as a suitable time to take a nap or read a newspaper, for the speaker fails to attract their attention as the audience. The Friday sermon, as a form ofdawah, needs to be presented in a very compelling way and must serve the purpose of educating people and conveying the true message of Islam to them.
It is also important for you to consider your audience. You should always know what type of message they would easily grasp. Addressing the youth in a university campus actually demands extraordinary accuracy in presenting arguments, more than what will be needed when addressing another forum.

Each situation calls for a certain approach. Always try to choose a suitable time for preaching. Not all the time will you find attentive ears.

Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi

The da’ee (caller) is intelligent and eloquent in his preaching, wise in the way he calls people to the truth, and gentle in the way he teaches them the rules of Islam. In all of this, he is following the words of Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala):

Invite [all] to the Way of your Rabb with wisdom and beautiful preaching … (Qur’an 16:125)

One of the most important qualities of those who call others to Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) is that they should know how to reach people’s hearts and endear faith to them, without saying anything that may turn them away, hurt them or offend them. So the da`ee does not impart all his knowledge in one go; rather, he presents his knowledge in stages, and avoids overwhelming his audience or boring them. This is what the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to do in his own preaching, as the great Sahabi `Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (radhiallahu `anhu) tells us. He used to preach a little at a time to the people, every Thursday. A man said to him, “I wish that you would teach us everyday.” He said, “What prevents me from doing so is the fact that I would hate to bore you. I show consideration towards you by choosing a suitable time to teach you, just as the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to do with us, for fear of making us bored.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

One of the Prophet’s effective methods in dawah was not to make his khuthah too long, especially when he was addressing a large crowd which included elderly and sick people. Keeping the khuthah short is an indication of the khatib’s understanding both of his message and of the psychology of his audience. This is the teaching of the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) which ‘Ammar ibn Yasir (radhiallahu `anhu) told us about:

I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) say: “A man’s making the prayer long and keeping his khutbah short is a sign of his understanding, so make your prayers long and your khutbah short.” (Muslim)

One of the methods of wise, intelligent dawah is to be gentle with the people one is calling, and to show patience towards their ignorance, mistakes and many tedious questions, and their slowness in understanding. This is the way of the supreme da`ee, the Seal of the Prophets, who used to open his heart to those who asked questions, and was always gentle in his answers to them. He approached them with an attitude of love and an earnest desire to guide them, correct them and teach them, so he would keep explaining a matter to them until they understood it and dispersed content with the lesson they had learned.

An example of this gentle approach is the account of the Sahabi Mu`awiyah ibn al-Hakam al-Salami who said: “Whilst I was praying with the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), one of the men in the congregation sneezed, so I said, ‘Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah have mercy on you).’ The people glared at me, so I said, ‘May my mother be bereft of me! What are you staring at me like that for?’ They began to strike their thighs with their hands, and when I realized that they were telling me to be quiet, I fell silent. The Prophet may my father and mother be sacrificed for him, finished the prayer, and I have never seen a better teacher than he, before or since. By Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala), he did not rebuke me or strike me or insult me. He merely said, ‘This prayer should contain nothing of the everyday speech of men; it is just tasbih, takbir and the recitation of Qur’an,’ or words to that effect. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), I am still very close to the time of Jahliyyah (i.e., I am very new in Islam). Allah (subhanahu wa ta`ala) has brought us Islam, yet there are some among us who still go to soothsayers.’ He said, ‘Never go to them.’ I said, ‘And there are some who are superstitious.’ He said, ‘That is just something that they imagine; it should not stop them from going ahead with their plans.”‘ (Muslim)

The Prophet’s gentle approach in his calling people to the truth reached such an extent that he did not directly confront a wrong-doer with his deeds, so that he would not hurt his feelings or cause him to lose face. Instead, he would denounce the wrong deed indirectly, and gently draw the person’s attention to it. This method is more successful in reaching people’s hearts and dealing with errors and faults.

`A’ishah said,

“When the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) heard that someone had done something wrong, he did not say, ‘What is wrong with so-and-so that he says (such-and-such)?’ Rather, he would say, ‘What is wrong with some people that they say such-and-such?’…” [Hayat al-Sahabah 3/129]

Another feature of the successful da`ee is that he speaks clearly to his audiene and repeats his words, as Anas (radhiallahu `anhu) said:

“The Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to repeat things three times when he spoke, so that they would be understood. When he came to a people, he would greet them with salam three times.” (Bukhari)

`A’ishah said:

“The speech of the Prophet was very clear. Everyone who heard it understood it.” [Reported by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi with a sahih isnad]

by Dr. Zakir Naik

CONGRATULATING AN ATHEIST

Normally, when I meet an atheist, the first thing I like to do is to congratulate him and say, ” My special congratulations to you”, because most of the people who believe in God are doing blind belief – he is a Christian, because his father is a Christian; he is a Hindu, because his father is a Hindu; the majority of the people in the world are blindly following the religion of their fathers. An atheist, on the other hand, even though e may belong to a religious family, uses his intellect to deny the existence of God; what ever concept or qualities of God he may have learnt in his religion may not seem to be logical to him.

My Muslim brothers may question me, “Zakir, why are you congratulating an atheist?” The reason that I am congratulating an atheist is because he agrees with the first part of the Shahada i.e. the Islamic Creed, ‘La ilaaha’ – meaning ‘there is no God’. So half my job is already done; now the only part left is ‘il lallah’ i.e. ‘BUT ALLAH’ which I shall do Insha Allah. With others (who are not atheists) I have to first remove from their minds the wrong concept of God they may have and then put the correct concept of one true God.

LOGICAL CONCEPT OF GOD

My first question to the atheist will be: “What is the definition of God?” For a person to say there is no God, he should know what is the meaning of God. If I hold a book and say that ‘this is a pen’, for the opposite person to say, ‘it is not a pen’, he should know what is the definition of a pen, even if he does not know nor is able to recognise or identify the object I am holding in my hand. For him to say this is not a pen, he should at least know what a pen means. Similarly for an atheist to say ‘there is no God’, he should at least know the concept of God. His concept of God would be derived from the surroundings in which he lives. The god that a large number of people worship has got human qualities – therefore he does not believe in such a god. Similarly a Muslim too does not and should not believe in such false gods.

If a non-Muslim believes that Islam is a merciless religion with something to do with terrorism; a religion which does not give rights to women; a religion which contradicts science; in his limited sense that non-Muslim is correct to reject such Islam. The problem is he has a wrong picture of Islam. Even I reject such a false picture of Islam, but at the same time, it becomes my duty as a Muslim to present the correct picture of Islam to that non-Muslim i.e. Islam is a merciful religion, it gives equal rights to the women, it is not incompatible with logic, reason and science; if I present the correct facts about Islam, that non-Muslim may Inshallah accept Islam.

Similarly the atheist rejects the false gods and the duty of every Muslim is to present the correct concept of God which he shall Insha Allah not refuse.

(You may refer to my article, ‘Concept of God in Islam’, for more details)

QUR’AN AND MODERN SCIENCE

The methods of proving the existence of God with usage of the material provided in the ‘Concept of God in Islam’ to an atheist may satisfy some but not all.

Many atheists demand a scientific proof for the existence of God. I agree that today is the age of science and technology. Let us use scientific knowledge to kill two birds with one stone, i.e. to prove the existence of God and simultaneously prove that the Qur’an is a revelation of God.

If a new object or a machine, which no one in the world has ever seen or heard of before, is shown to an atheist or any person and then a question is asked, ” Who is the first person who will be able to provide details of the mechanism of this unknown object? After little bit of thinking, he will reply, ‘the creator of that object.’ Some may say ‘the producer’ while others may say ‘the manufacturer.’ Whatever answer the person gives, keep it in your mind, the answer will always be either the creator, the producer, the manufacturer or somewhat of the same meaning, i.e. the person who has made it or created it. Don’t grapple with words, whatever answer he gives, the meaning will be same, therefore accept it.

SCIENTIFIC FACTS MENTIONED IN THE QUR’AN: for details on this subject please refer to my book, ‘THE QUR’AN AND MODERN SCIENCE – COMPATIBLE OR INCOMPATIBLE?

THEORY F PROBABILITY

In mathematics there is a theory known as ‘Theory of Probability’. If you have two options, out of which one is right, and one is wrong, the chances that you will chose the right one is half, i.e. one out of the two will be correct. You have 50% chances of being correct. Similarly if you toss a coin the chances that your guess will be correct is 50% (1 out of 2) i.e. 1/2. If you toss a coin the second time, the chances that you will be correct in the second toss is again 50% i.e. half. But the chances that you will be correct in both the tosses is half multiplied by half (1/2 x 1/2) which is equal to 1/4 i.e. 50% of 50% which is equal to 25%. If you toss a coin the third time, chances that you will be correct all three times is (1/2 x 1/2 x 1/2) that is 1/8 or 50% of 50% of 50% that is 12½%.

A dice has got six sides. If you throw a dice and guess any number between 1 to 6, the chances that your guess will be correct are 1/6. If you throw the dice the second time, the chances that your guess will be correct in both the throws is (1/6 x 1/6) which is equal to 1/36. If you throw the dice the third time, the chances that all your three guesses are correct is (1/6 x 1/6 x 1/6) is equal to 1/216 that is less than 0.5 %.

Let us apply this theory of probability to the Qur’an, and assume that a person has guessed all the information that is mentioned in the Qur’an which was unknown at that time. Let us discuss the probability of all the guesses being simultaneously correct.

At the time when the Qur’an was revealed, people thought the world was flat, there are several other options for the shape of the earth. It could be triangular, it could be quadrangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, spherical, etc. Lets assume there are about 30 different options for the shape of the earth. The Qur’an rightly says it is spherical, if it was a guess the chances of the guess being correct is 1/30.

The light of the moon can be its own light or a reflected light. The Qur’an rightly says it is a reflected light. If it is a guess, the chances that it will be correct is 1/2 and the probability that both the guesses i.e the earth is spherical and the light of the moon is reflected light is 1/30 x 1/2 = 1/60.

Further, the Qur’an also mentions every living thing is made of water. Every living thing can be made up of either wood, stone, copper, aluminium, steel, silver, gold, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, oil, water, cement, concrete, etc. The options are say about 10,000. The Qur’an rightly says that everything is made up of water. If it is a guess, the chances that it will be correct is 1/10,000 and the probability of all the three guesses i.e. the earth is spherical, light of moon is reflected light and everything is created from water being correct is 1/30 x 1/2 x 1/10,000 = 1/60,000 which is equal to about .0017%.

The Qur’an speaks about hundreds of things that were not known to men at the time of its revelation. Only in three options the result is .0017%. I leave it up to you, to work out the probability if all the hundreds of the unknown facts were guesses, the chances of all of them being correct guesses simultaneously and there being not a single wrong guess. It is beyond human capacity to make all correct guesses without a single mistake, which itself is sufficient to prove to a logical person that the origin of the Qur’an is Divine.

CREATOR IS THE AUTHOR OF THE QUR’AN

The only logical answer to the question as to who could have mentioned all these scientific facts 1400 years ago before they were discovered, is exactly the same answer initially given by the atheist or any person, to the question who will be the first person who will be able to tell the mechanism of the unknown object. It is the ‘CREATOR’, the producer, the Manufacturer of the whole universe and its contents. In the English language He is ‘God’, or more appropriate in the Arabic language, ‘ALLAH’.

QUR’AN IS A BOOK OF SIGNS AND NOT SCIENCE

Let me remind you that the Qur’an is not a book of Science, ‘S-C-I-E-N-C-E’ but a book of Signs ‘S-I-G-N-S’ i.e. a book of ayaats. The Qur’an contains more than 6,000 ayaats, i.e. ‘signs’, out of which more than a thousand speak about Science. I am not trying to prove that the Qur’an is the word of God using scientific knowledge as a yard stick because any yardstick is supposed to be more superior than what is being checked or verified. For us Muslims the Qur’an is the Furqan i.e. criteria to judge right from wrong and the ultimate yardstick which is more superior to scientific knowledge.

But for an educated man who is an atheist, scientific knowledge is the ultimate test which he believes in. We do know that science many a times takes ‘U’ turns, therefore I have restricted the examples only to scientific facts which have sufficient proof and evidence and not scientific theories based on assumptions. Using the ultimate yardstick of the atheist, I am trying to prove to him that the Qur’an is the word of God and it contains the scientific knowledge which is his yardstick which was discovered recently, while the Qur’an was revealed 1400 year ago. At the end of the discussion, we both come to the same conclusion that God though superior to science, is not incompatible with it.

SCIENCE IS ELIMINATING MODELS OF GOD BUT NOT GOD

Francis Bacon, the famous philosopher, has rightly said that a little knowledge of science makes man an atheist, but an in-depth study of science makes him a believer in God. Scientists today are eliminating models of God, but they are not eliminating God. If you translate this into Arabic, it is La illaha illal la, There is no god, (god with a small ‘g’ that is fake god) but God (with a capital ‘G’).

Surah Fussilat:

“Soon We will show them our signs in the (farthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that thy Lord doth witness all things?”

[Al-Quran 41:53]

Some parental strategies and techniques for success in presenting da’wah to their children.

Do you get the feeling that every Islamic oriented discussion with your teens is falling on deaf ears lately? If so, you’re not alone, but it may not be as bad as you think. Many children feel an exaggerated sense of independence when they reach adolescence.
As a result, they may feel they no longer need their parent’s intervention or advice; perhaps feeling their parents are old-fashioned or out to touch. Sound familiar? For us, as parents, to get our point across, it all comes down to simply this: technique. You may feel as if you are taking one step forward and two steps back, but it’s possible that you just need to overhaul your method and revise your strategy.

Timing is Everything

It’s true. Timing can really make all the difference. If you try talking to your teens in the midst of them running out the door to go to a friend’s house, chances are they will absorb less than 5% of what you just said. Their focus at that point in time is getting where they want to go, as fast as humanly possible.

Picking the right time to talk about Islam is really an essential part of making da’wah (call to Islam) to them. We all have to think back and consider how our state of mind was when we were a teen. Try to remember the type of things that really made you stop and pay attention. Try to think of someone who really made an impact on you, someone you really listened to, what was their technique – what did they do that made a difference?

As ironic as it may sound, the dreaded family outing can be a great time for da’wah. While, for the most part, many teens would rather be doing almost anything other than spending a few days isolated with their parents and siblings, an outing may be just the thing you need. Free from distractions of school, friends, computers and phone is where you’ll get the most time to spotlight and highlight Islam.

By simply taking a trip to the local wildlife reservation or nature area can be a wonderful opportunity to point out the fascinating miracles of Allah (SWT). A change of scenery in beautiful surroundings usually has a positive impact on everyone in the family, giving everyone a chance to stop and smell the rose, figuratively and literally speaking.

Finally, Ramadan is a prime time to give da’wah to your teens. It is a time when everyone in the family is more focused on Islam. Between fasting and the Taraweeh Salah (night prayer), it softens our hearts and gives us all time to reflect. Ramadan is an ideal time to get your teen involved at the local Masjid and with the Muslim community.

Search out and find projects for them to do, and tasks to accomplish. Although some teens may be uninterested at first, but by the time Ramadan is over there’s a good chance that they will be thankful for the time they spent working for the sake of Allah (SWT) and will remember it for years to come.

Smart Strategies

Keep it Short and Sweet – Children young and old have short attention spans and easily be distracted. The less time you spend talking, the more effective your point will be.

Make it Relate – Use examples they can relate to in their daily life. Point out situations as they arise and how they relate to Islam. Don’t miss an opportunity to point out blessings, miracles and lessons. It is easier to understand and remember things that are directly related to one’s own personal experiences or something that they have noticed in themselves.

Start and End on a High Note – Be positive in your approach. Many times we all get overly critical or nit-picky with our kids. It’s really easy to do without even realizing it. It is truly important for them to know that we love them and are proud of them.

And it is crucial that we take the time to point out the good things that they do, as well as the bad. For example, if they carry out a good deed, relate it to Islam and point it out. Explain the importance, rather, the magnitude of their actions and the rewards they will receive for those good deeds. In addition, focus on the rewards in Islam equally as much as the punishments.

Draw attention to the halal (lawful) equally as much as the haram (prohibition). Often, we concentrate on the negative much more and sometimes leave the positive as an afterthought or leave it out altogether. 

Fresh Ideas

Family Outings – Do some research before the next outing and have your kids look up the miracles in the Holy Qur’an that deal with nature (bees and plants etc.). Then on your outing, have a scavenger hunt to search for those miracles.

Ramadan – This year, instead of staying at home every evening, go to Masjid and serve Iftar (breakfast) to others. Seek out the needy Muslims in your surrounding area and help your teens assemble food baskets, drive them around and let them distribute it to the needy Muslims themselves.

Community – Having your teen directly involved in activities is one of the most effective methods of da’wah. Get your teen to help organize the next convention or seminar at your local Masjid. A group of teens can visit the sick and elderly Muslims in the community. Teens can even organize a weekend camping event with their friends, a few parents and someone knowledgeable in the community to give short talks between activities. 

This Mission is Yours

Each of us stops and wonders how the children we raise will turn out as adults. Often we’re perplexed which way is best to relay the message of Islam in a manner that will bring successful results. We want to prevent our children from having to learn things the hard way, and shield them from the harmful situations of this life.

More importantly, we’re striving to protect them from the Hellfire and make their path easier to Jannah (paradise). This is why we teach them, it is why we want them to listen and understand.

One of the most difficult missions for any parent is to get their children to really listen, understand and heed their advice. It is not an easy mission, as Allah (SWT) tells us: “And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial, and that surely with Allah is a Mighty Reward.” (Holy Qur’an 8: 28)

We are, InshaAllah, all attempting to fulfill our goal as parents and Muslims in one of our most trying tests in this life. The more effective methods we use to impart the importance of Islam to our children in their daily lives, the more likely they will be to be among those who enter Jannah and make Du’a (supplication) for us when we are gone.

[From: Al Jumu'ah Vol. 13 Issue 7]

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

Question: What else should we do as Muslims after fulfilling the five pillars of Islam and treating our fellow humans justly and kindly? What is the importance of da`wah, and how should it be practiced nowadays? May Allah reward you.

Answer: Dear brother in Islam, we would like to thank you for your question and we appreciate the confidence you have in us. We hope our efforts meet your expectations. 

Actually your question is quite interesting and very important to every Muslim, though it is hard to cover in one page or even an essay. However, we will try stick to the points you have raised in your question.

First of all, you should know that Islam is not just prayer, fasting, paying Zakah, and going for Hajj. These are the foundations of Islam; however Islam is a very comprehensive and all-encompassing religion that covers all aspects of life. In that sense, Islam is a way of life and a code of teachings and rules that makes life better. Da`wah means conveying the message of Islam to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. It is to help all people be always on the right track and guide those who have gone astray to return to the path of Allah the Almighty.

Sheikh Hamed Al-Ali, instructor of Islamic Heritage at the Faculty of Education, Kuwait and Imam of Dahiat As-Sabahiyya Mosque, says:

“In addition to performing Salah, fasting and other pillars of Islam, we need to have thetaqwa (consciousness of Allah the Almighty) in our hearts, be this in public or in private life. That means we are required to follow the commands of Almighty Allah and avoid all what He has forbidden. The Qur’an and the Sunnah are the sources of guidance and knowledge for us, and as such, we need to resort to the Qur’an and refer to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in all of our actions and read them regularly to seek guidance. If sometimes we fail to find the guidance in the Qur’an and Sunnah to a particular problem or situation in our life, then we need to approach the Muslim scholars and ask them about things we do not know. This way we will make sure that we are on the right path of Allah Most High.

As far as the issue of da`wah in the sense of preaching is concerned, it is regarded as fard kifayah (collective obligation) on Muslims. But da`wah in the sense of setting a good example is fard `ayan (individual obligation) on Muslims to safeguard their religion and convey its message to Muslims and non-Muslims as well. With regard to the methods of giving da`wah, they are many: wise and gentle approach, giving speeches and sermons, setting good example for others to follow, etc.”

Dr. Su`aad Salih, professor of Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) at Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, adds:

“`Ibadah(worship) in Islam is not restricted to the performance of the five daily prayers, fasting, Zakah, Hajj, and others rituals. The real meaning of `ibadah is very comprehensive and goes beyond these acts mentioned above. Literally, `ibadah stands for submission and showing humility to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, as He is the One Who has given us bounties and favours. Therefore, any act of goodness that is classified under righteousness and piety is considered to be an act of worship in Islam.

It is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked Mu`adh Ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him): “Do you know what right Allah Most High has on His servants and what right they have on Him?” He said: “No, Allah and His Messenger know best.” Thereupon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: “The right people owe to Allah is to worship Him alone and associate no partner with Him. And the right people deserve from Allah is not to be punished if they do not associate any partner with Him.”

This Hadith indicates the broad concept of `ibadah in Islam, and that Allah the Almighty can forgive any sin except taking other partners with Him, Exalted be He.

People are required to strive against themselves and overcome their desires and not to respond to their evil-whispering soul. Allah Most High says:

“And those who strive in Our (cause), We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily Allah is with those who do right.”(Al-`Ankabut: 69)

In addition to this, people should spend in the cause of Allah, give charity to their relatives and others, avoid evils such as backbiting, slander, suspicion, spying, etc. They should abide by truth, honesty, keeping promises, and all Islamic manners that have been stated in the ever-lasting and all-encompassing book, the Qur’an. Allah Almighty says:“We have not neglected anything in the Book.” (Al-An`am: 38)

As for da`wah, it means to enjoin and call to what is good and forbid and warn against what is evil. It is the obligation of people who are qualified, have profound understanding of the Deen, have good character and manners, and have a broad knowledge of Islam.

Concerning the best method of giving da`wah, it is by wisdom and gentle approach, as Allah (Glorified be He) taught His noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the Qur’an:

“Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.” (An-Nahl: 125)

And He says in another verse:

“Thus it is due to mercy from Allah that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you; pardon them therefore and ask pardon for them, and take counsel with them in the affair.” (Al `Imran: 159)

And He says elsewhere:

“Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad), and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant.” (Al-`Araf: 199)

Highlighting the importance and obligation of da`wah, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, former head of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and member of the Fiqh Council of North America, says:

“We should first understand what da`wah is. Da`wah means to invite people to the way of Allah the Almighty, to call unto them to know the truth and follow it.

Da`wah is done in two ways. The first one is through example, through being a role model. In the Qur’anic terminology it is called“being witnesses towards mankind”(Shuhada’ ‘ala an-nasi). It is the duty of every Muslim, male or female, young or old, to be a witness of Almighty Allah among the people. When people see a Muslim, they should see a good person, a person of truth, of sincerity and of virtue. A Muslim’s life should be an open invitation through which people see the beauty of Islam and find it an interesting code of ethics and teachings to follow. Allah Most High says in the Qur’an:“Thus we have appointed you a middle community in order that you may be witnesses towards humankind and that the Messenger may be a witness towards you…(Al-Baqarah:143). All Muslims must giveda`wah through their good Islamic life as individuals, as families and as communities. People who come into contact with them should see Islam as a living and practical faith that makes the life of human beings better.

Another way of giving da`wahis through teaching, preaching, communication, engaging in dialogues, discussions and debates, writing books and articles, giving lectures, etc. Almighty Allah says:“Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious. “(An-Nahl: 125) Of course this requires deep knowledge, preparation and training. Muslims should use the most effective and appropriate methods ofda`wah in every place and time. Nowadays, for example,da`wahrequires modern ways such as the use of radio, television, Internet in addition to the person-to-person preaching and teaching.

I know that every Muslim would not have time to go through this kind of training and giveda`wah in this way. But some people must prepare themselves and engage in this field, as Allah the Exalted says:“And the believers should not all go out to fight. Of every troop of them, a party only should go forth, that they (who are left behind) may gain sound knowledge in religion, and that they may warn their folk when they return to them, so that they may beware.” (At-Tawbah 9:122)

Thus, givingda`wah with proper training and specialization is regarded asfard kifayah(collective obligation). That means in every community some people must take the proper da`wahtraining and should do this work in a systematic and methodical way on behalf of all other members of the community. If some people do this work, then there is no blame on others, but if no one does it, all Muslims of the community are considered sinners. It is the duty of all Muslims to support this work by providing facilities and funds so that it can be done in a proper manner.”

Department of distribution of free books

There was a big demand and responds from the non Muslims to know about Islam. To take responsible for this matter is Da’wah through mails (http://www.dawahcorner.org/da’wah-through-mails/), Three wheeler Vehicle (http://www.dawahcorner.org/three-wheeler-vehicle-speaks/), Yahamaga Mothly Islamic paper (http://www.dawahcorner.org/here-comes-the-yahamaga-monthly-islamic-sinhala-news-paper/), Mobile Islamic bookstalls (http://www.dawahcorner.org/page/2/), Sticker campaign (http://www.dawahcorner.org/sticker-campaign-dc/) and news paper advertisements.

Whenever they contact us we request them to write to us. Then we obliged with the book of “Introduction of Islam” and the people who are advance knowledge, we visit them. As a result of this we were able to visit wide and for remote areas. The certain people use to say we were searching Islam for last twenty years. They were very much happy to receive a copy of Sinhala translation of Al-Qur’an.